Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A key structure, comprising: a support shaft comprising an accommodation space and a hollow part, wherein the hollow part is in communication with the accommodation space, wherein the hollow part comprises a first opening and a second opening; a resilience sheet disposed within the accommodation space, wherein the resilience sheet comprises a resilience part, and a portion of the resilience part is penetrated through the hollow part, wherein the resilience sheet comprises a first resilience arm and a second resilience arm, wherein the resilience arm is penetrated through the first opening, and the second resilience arm is penetrated through the second opening; a pedestal comprising a sliding groove and a push part, wherein the support shaft is movable within the sliding groove, the push part is disposed on an inner surface of the sliding groove, and the push part is aligned with the resilience part; and a keycap combined with the support shaft, wherein when an external force is applied to the keycap, the resilience part is pushed by the push part and subjected to deformation, wherein after the resilience part is moved across the push part, the resilience part is elastically restored and swung, so that the resilience part collides with the inner surface of the sliding groove to generate a click sound.
This invention relates to a mechanical key structure designed for keyboards or similar input devices, addressing the need for improved tactile feedback and durability in key mechanisms. The key structure includes a support shaft with an internal accommodation space and a hollow part, which has two openings. A resilience sheet is positioned within the accommodation space, featuring a resilience part that extends through the hollow part via two arms. The resilience sheet is designed to flex and return to its original shape, providing mechanical resistance and a clicking sensation. The key structure also includes a pedestal with a sliding groove and a push part. The support shaft moves within the sliding groove, and the push part is positioned to interact with the resilience part. When a user presses the keycap, the support shaft moves downward, causing the resilience part to deform as it passes the push part. Once the resilience part moves past the push part, it snaps back into place, striking the inner surface of the sliding groove to produce a distinct click sound. This mechanism enhances user feedback by providing both tactile and auditory confirmation of key actuation. The design ensures durability and consistent performance over repeated use.
2. The key structure according to claim 1 , wherein the key structure further comprises a switch module, and the switch module is installed on a bottom side of the pedestal, wherein the switch module comprises a membrane circuit board and an elastic element, wherein the elastic element is disposed on the membrane circuit board, and the elastic element is accommodated within the sliding groove.
This invention relates to a key structure for input devices, particularly addressing the need for improved tactile feedback and durability in mechanical keyboard switches. The key structure includes a pedestal with a sliding groove, a keycap, and a switch module. The switch module is mounted on the bottom side of the pedestal and contains a membrane circuit board and an elastic element. The elastic element is positioned on the membrane circuit board and fits within the sliding groove of the pedestal. When the keycap is pressed, the elastic element compresses, providing tactile feedback and ensuring reliable electrical contact with the membrane circuit board. The design enhances responsiveness and longevity by reducing wear on the switch components. The sliding groove guides the movement of the elastic element, ensuring consistent actuation and preventing misalignment. This structure is particularly useful in mechanical keyboards where durability and precise tactile feedback are critical. The switch module's integration with the pedestal improves stability and reduces the risk of failure over repeated use. The elastic element's placement within the sliding groove ensures proper alignment and consistent performance, addressing common issues in traditional membrane or mechanical switches.
3. The key structure according to claim 2 , wherein while the keycap is pressed down in response to the external force, the elastic element is pressed by the support shaft, and the switch module is triggered to generate a corresponding key signal.
A mechanical keyboard key structure includes a keycap, a support shaft, an elastic element, and a switch module. The keycap is movable and receives external force from a user's input. The support shaft is connected to the keycap and guides its vertical movement. The elastic element provides a restoring force to return the keycap to its original position after being pressed. The switch module is positioned below the support shaft and generates an electrical signal when activated. When the keycap is pressed down, the support shaft moves downward, compressing the elastic element. This compression applies pressure to the switch module, triggering it to generate a corresponding key signal. The elastic element ensures the keycap returns to its original position once the external force is removed, resetting the switch module for subsequent inputs. This design improves tactile feedback and durability by distributing force evenly across the switch module while maintaining a consistent actuation point. The structure is particularly useful in mechanical keyboards where precise and responsive key presses are required.
4. The key structure according to claim 2 , wherein when the external force is eliminated, the elastic element is elastically restored to provide an elastic restoring force to the support shaft, wherein while the support shaft is returned in response to the elastic restoring force, the resilience part is moved across the push part to collide with the push part, so that another click sound is generated.
This invention relates to a mechanical key structure designed to provide tactile feedback and audible clicking sounds during key actuation. The key structure includes a support shaft, an elastic element, a push part, and a resilience part. The support shaft is movable within a housing, and the elastic element is connected to the support shaft to provide an elastic restoring force when an external force is applied and then removed. The push part is positioned to interact with the resilience part, which is also connected to the support shaft. When the key is pressed, the support shaft moves downward, compressing the elastic element. Upon release of the external force, the elastic element restores, pushing the support shaft upward. During this upward movement, the resilience part moves across the push part, colliding with it to generate a distinct clicking sound. This mechanism ensures a tactile and audible response, enhancing user feedback in mechanical keyboards or similar input devices. The design improves user experience by providing clear confirmation of key actuation through both touch and sound.
5. The key structure according to claim 1 , wherein the push part comprises a first push block and a second push block, wherein the first push block has a first slant surface, and the second push block has a second slant surface.
This invention relates to a key structure for mechanical keyboards, addressing the need for improved tactile feedback and durability in key mechanisms. The key structure includes a push part that interacts with a base part to register key presses. The push part comprises a first push block and a second push block, each featuring slant surfaces. The first push block has a first slant surface, and the second push block has a second slant surface. These slant surfaces engage with corresponding surfaces on the base part to provide a consistent and responsive key press action. The interaction between the slant surfaces ensures smooth movement during actuation, reducing wear and enhancing the lifespan of the mechanism. The design also allows for precise control over the force required to press the key, improving typing accuracy and user experience. The push blocks may be arranged symmetrically or asymmetrically to optimize the key's mechanical properties, depending on the intended application. This structure is particularly useful in mechanical keyboards where durability and tactile feedback are critical.
6. The key structure according to claim 5 , wherein while keycap is pressed down in response to the external force, the first resilience arm and the second resilience arm are contacted with and moved along the first slant surface of the first push block and the second slant surface of the second push block, respectively, so that the first resilience arm and the second resilience arm are subjected to elastic deformation.
This invention relates to a key structure for input devices, particularly focusing on the mechanical interaction between keycaps and resilience arms during keypress operations. The problem addressed is the need for improved tactile feedback and durability in key mechanisms, especially in devices like keyboards where repeated pressing can cause wear or inconsistent response. The key structure includes a keycap, a first resilience arm, a second resilience arm, a first push block, and a second push block. When the keycap is pressed down due to an external force, the first and second resilience arms come into contact with and slide along slanted surfaces on the first and second push blocks, respectively. This interaction causes the resilience arms to elastically deform, providing a responsive and tactile feedback mechanism. The elastic deformation ensures that the key returns to its original position once the force is removed, enhancing durability and user experience. The first and second push blocks are positioned to guide the movement of the resilience arms, ensuring consistent deformation and preventing misalignment. The slanted surfaces of the push blocks facilitate smooth engagement with the resilience arms, optimizing the force required for actuation and the tactile response. This design improves the mechanical efficiency of the key structure, reducing wear and extending the lifespan of the input device. The invention is particularly useful in mechanical keyboards and other input devices where precise and durable key mechanisms are essential.
7. The key structure according to claim 1 , wherein the resilience sheet further comprises a fixing part, and the fixing part is connected with the first resilience arm and the second resilience arm, wherein the fixing part is fixed in the accommodation space, so that the resilience sheet is installed in the accommodation space.
This invention relates to a resilient key structure for electronic devices, particularly addressing the need for improved durability and stability in key mechanisms. The key structure includes a resilience sheet with a fixing part that connects to both a first and second resilience arm. The fixing part is designed to be securely mounted within an accommodation space, ensuring the resilience sheet remains properly installed. The resilience arms provide the necessary flexibility and responsiveness for key actuation, while the fixing part enhances structural integrity by anchoring the sheet in place. This design prevents misalignment or detachment during repeated use, improving the longevity and reliability of the key mechanism. The resilience sheet's configuration ensures consistent tactile feedback and reduces wear over time, making it suitable for high-usage applications such as keyboards, touchpads, or other input devices. The fixing part's secure attachment within the accommodation space also simplifies assembly and maintenance, reducing manufacturing complexity. The overall structure balances flexibility and stability, addressing common issues like key wobble or premature failure in conventional designs.
8. The key structure according to claim 1 , wherein a bulge is formed on an outer surface of the support shaft, and a stopping part corresponding to the bulge is formed on the inner surface of the sliding groove, wherein when the bulge is contacted with the stopping part, the support shaft is stopped from being moved downwardly.
This invention relates to a mechanical key structure designed to control the movement of a support shaft within a sliding groove. The problem addressed is preventing the support shaft from moving downward beyond a certain point, which could otherwise lead to instability or damage in the mechanism. The key structure includes a support shaft that slides within a sliding groove, where the groove has an inner surface and the shaft has an outer surface. A bulge is formed on the outer surface of the support shaft, and a corresponding stopping part is formed on the inner surface of the sliding groove. When the bulge contacts the stopping part, further downward movement of the support shaft is halted, ensuring it does not descend beyond a predefined limit. This mechanism provides a reliable way to restrict the shaft's motion while maintaining structural integrity. The design is particularly useful in applications where controlled movement is critical, such as in mechanical assemblies requiring precise positioning or safety stops. The interaction between the bulge and stopping part ensures that the shaft remains within operational limits, preventing potential failures or misalignments. The invention focuses on simplicity and effectiveness, using a straightforward yet robust approach to limit downward movement.
9. The key structure according to claim 8 , wherein the bulge is located above the hollow part.
A system for structural reinforcement in mechanical or architectural applications addresses the problem of optimizing load distribution and material efficiency in components subjected to dynamic or static forces. The invention involves a key structure designed to enhance stability and reduce stress concentrations in load-bearing elements. The structure includes a hollow part that reduces material usage while maintaining structural integrity, and a bulge positioned above the hollow part to reinforce the area and prevent deformation under applied loads. The bulge's placement above the hollow part ensures that the reinforced region aligns with critical stress points, improving the component's resistance to bending, torsion, or compression. The hollow part may be a cavity or void within the structure, while the bulge is a protruding or thickened section that redistributes forces away from weak points. This design is particularly useful in lightweight yet strong components, such as automotive parts, aerospace structures, or building frameworks, where material savings and performance are prioritized. The invention ensures that the bulge's reinforcement is strategically located to counteract the structural weaknesses introduced by the hollow part, resulting in a balanced and durable component.
10. The key structure according to claim 8 , wherein the stopping part is located below the push part.
A system for controlling the movement of a key structure in a mechanical keyboard or similar input device addresses the problem of inconsistent key travel and actuation force. The key structure includes a push part that moves downward when pressed and a stopping part that limits the downward travel. The stopping part is positioned below the push part to ensure precise control over key movement. When the key is pressed, the push part moves downward until it contacts the stopping part, which prevents further downward movement. This design ensures consistent key travel and actuation force, improving typing accuracy and user experience. The stopping part may be adjustable to allow customization of key travel distance and actuation force. The system may also include a spring or other elastic element to return the key to its original position after release. The key structure may be integrated into a mechanical keyboard, a laptop keyboard, or other input devices requiring precise key movement control. The invention provides a reliable and adjustable mechanism for controlling key movement in input devices.
11. The key structure according to claim 1 , wherein the keycap comprises a first coupling structure, and the support shaft comprises a second coupling structure, wherein the first coupling structure and the second coupling structure are engaged with each other, so that the keycap is detachably coupled with the support shaft.
A mechanical key structure is designed to improve the modularity and maintainability of keyboard keys. The problem addressed is the difficulty in replacing or repairing keycaps without specialized tools or damaging the key mechanism. The invention provides a detachable coupling mechanism between the keycap and the support shaft, allowing for easy removal and reattachment. The keycap includes a first coupling structure, while the support shaft includes a second coupling structure. These structures are designed to engage with each other, enabling the keycap to be securely attached to the support shaft while allowing for detachment when needed. The coupling structures may include interlocking features such as clips, snaps, or friction-fit elements that ensure a stable connection during use but can be separated by applying a controlled force. This design simplifies keycap replacement, reduces maintenance costs, and enhances the overall durability of the keyboard by preventing damage during disassembly. The invention is particularly useful in mechanical keyboards where keycaps are frequently swapped for customization or maintenance purposes.
Unknown
May 19, 2020
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